Mountaineer 4WD V6-4.0L VIN E (1999)
Paint: All Technical Service Bulletins
Paint - Premature Clearcoat Cracking Service Tips
Article No. 02-17-1
PAINT-PREMATURE CLEARCOAT CRACKING-SERVICE TIPS
FORD: 1999-2002 EXPLORER
2000-2002 EXPLORER SPORT TRAC, EXPLORER SPORT
MERCURY: 1999-2002 MOUNTAINEER
ISSUE
Some vehicles may exhibit crowsfoot or premature star cracking primarily on the hood, but could also be on other panels. This is due to high paint film
build and acrylic melamine paint technology.
ACTION
Read this TSB in its entirety BEFORE beginning any repairs. Inspect and repair as outlined in following Service Procedures.
SERVICE PROCEDURE
1999-2002 Vehicles-Dark Colors (Code LL Blue, Code UA Black, and Code SU Green only)
NOTE
READ THIS REPAIR PROCEDURE COMPLETELY. SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE PAINT THICKNESS ABOVE 5.5 MILS.
1. Check paint film thickness on affected panels.
NOTE
IF PLASTIC MEDIA BLASTING IS BEING USED, PROCEED TO STEP 4.
NOTE
TECHNICIAN PERFORMING THE SANDING OPERATION SHOULD WEAR AN APPROVED RESPIRATOR WITH HIGH
EFFICIENCY PARTICULATE FILTERS (HEPA). TECHNICIANS SHOULD USE A DUAL ACTION SANDER WITH VACUUM
COLLECTION EQUIPMENT. THE VACUUM EQUIPMENT MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH A HEPA FILTER ON THE AIR EXHAUST.
OPERATORS ARE CAUTIONED TO FOLLOW MANUFACTURERS GUIDELINES FOR MAINTENANCE OR REPLACEMENT OF
THESE FILTERS.
2. Remove all clearcoat and basecoat by sanding down to the E-coat primer with 80 grit-sanding discs on a Dual Action vacuum sander. The E-coat
color is Green.
3. Blow off the panel with compressed air to remove loose dust and debris.
4. Wipe the panel with a wax and grease remover. Wipe dry using a clean, lint-free cloth to remove all residue. Keep wiping until the surface is
completely dry.
5. Mask off all necessary panels. Tack off the surface.
6. Mix and apply Ford Approved epoxy or self-etching primer to all bare metal areas on the panel.
7. Mix and apply 2.0 mils minimum of Ford Approved primer surfacer following the manufacturers label recommendations and bake at 140°F (60°
C) panel temperature per manufacturers recommended baking time.
8. Block sand the affected panels with 600 grit sand paper.
9. Blow off the area with compressed air to remove loose dust and debris.
10. Wipe the panel with a wax and grease remover. Wipe dry using a clean, lint-free cloth to remove all residue.
NOTE
KEEP WIPING UNTIL THE SURFACE IS COMPLETELY DRY. ANY RESIDUE MAY RESULT CONTAMINATION OF THE
COATINGS TO BE APPLIED FOLLOWING THIS STEP.
11. Mix and apply Ford Approved basecoat material following the manufacturers label recommendations and flash time.
12. Mix and apply 2.0 mils minimum of Ford Approved clearcoat and bake at 140°F (60°C) panel temperature per manufacturers recommended
baking time.
13. Demask the vehicle as necessary.
WARNING
TO SAFEGUARD OUR ENVIRONMENT, PLEASE USE PROPER DISPOSAL TECHNIQUES FOR ANY VOLATILE ORGANIC
COMPOUNDS (VOC) OR EXCESS MATERIALS.
